Page 519 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

I let us into Chloe’s massive apartment and help her into the bedroom. Her parents might not have much of an emotional connection with their daughter, but they definitely make sure she lives well. As much as I hate leaving her, I have to prevent her from getting caught in my sticky, tangled web.

Because once you’re locked in, there’s no way out.

I was naïve to think there was hope for me.

I help her into her pajamas and settle her in her bed, putting her cell phone on the nightstand next to her. She’s barely awake at this point, so I turn to tiptoe out of her room. But before I take a step, she reaches out for my hand, pulling me back to her.

I drop next to her and a smile plays at her lips. Her eyes open a crack and her mouth moves without any sound coming out. That’s atypical for Chloe. I kneel next to her, straining my ears to hear what she has to say.

“You always take care of me,” she whispers. “And I don’t deserve to have a friend as good as you. Thank you for always looking out for me.”

I smooth her hair away from her face. “You’re welcome.”

“I’m not s-stupid. I know s-something bad happened tonight. And I know that you helped s-save me. Thank you.”

“Hey,” I say, holding the sides of her face. “We’re good and safe and nothing is going to happen to either of us, okay?”

She nods and lays her head back down on the pillow. “Okay. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

I wait until her breathing evens and she drifts off into a place where I hope, at least for a little while, she can find peace.

I don’t have the same hope for myself tonight.

I walk out of her room and look at the guys. “I can’t leave her. I’m going to stay here. She’s got plenty of room and I’d feel better that she’s not by herself.”

Zeno’s lips stretch into a tight line. “And what are you going to do if it turns out you really are the job someone has to finish?”

I let out a frustrated sigh. “Well, why don’t you just leave me your gun, then?” I snip. “I’ll bet you have another laying around.”

His jaw twitches. “You shouldn’t be here by yourselves.”

“I’m beginning to wonder if I’m ever going to have that luxury again.” I let out a dry laugh. “And while I appreciate your concern, I am the one who brutalized that guy at the club while you watched. I think I’m good.”

Bruno and Aldo exchange a look and must see the battle of wills raging.

“We’re, ah, gonna give you guys a minute,” Aldo says before they head into the kitchen, leaving us.

“Let me help you, Lily.”

A snort escapes my lips. “Unless you can give me a new last name and a new life far away from this one, I don’t see what kind of magic you can do for me.” I clench my fists. “Oh, hell. I don’t even really want a new life. I love my family. I love being out here on my own. And I love the plans I’ve made for my future. But my God, I hate being the victim who has no say, the one who has to deal with the aftermath of decisions made on her behalf!”

“I get all that but you shouldn’t be alone. I’m going to stay with you tonight.”

My jaw drops and he smirks.

“Relax. I’ll stay out here in the living room. That way I can fire my own gun if needed.”

“You don’t trust me?”

He steps closer. “Not even a little bit,” he says in a husky voice.

“You’re a stranger. Why should I trustyou?”

“I saved your life.” His blue eyes darken as he continues to close the distance between us.

“So? You’re the one with the gun. How am I the untrustworthy one?”

---